Theo Epstein was interviewed on WEEI Thursday night (partial transcript). He shared thoughts on a variety of Cub-related topics alongside musings about the Red Sox. There was nothing really groundbreaking in his comments, but they were infused with an undercurrent of pessimism similar to that which you’ve been picking up around these parts since the current CBA was ratified in late 2011. We're two …
2014 MLB Draft: Jeff Hoffman and Pitching at the Top
It’s a little early for MLB draft talk, but given the lack of activity by the Cubs this offseason, it figures be a prominent discussion point again in 2014. The Cubs have the fourth overall pick, and the early buzz around the top of the draft is pitching. Last year, for example, at the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San …
2014 Assume the Position: C
It's the second annual (holy shit, I've been blogging over a year) installment of Assume the Position! I don't plan on making many changes since last year, though I imagine I'll have to edit these a bit as the last few signings or so trickle in. The one thing I will do is just remove the players that aren't on the …
Masahiro Tanaka, Wlad Balentien, and Japan’s “Juiced” Ball
In 2013, former Mariner Wladimir Balentien broke Sadaharu Oh’s 49-year old single-season homerun record in Japan, hitting 60 homers over the course of a 144-game schedule. The story trickled out to US news services with an asterisk firmly attached. The narrative went something like this: yes, he broke the record, but only because the ball was juiced. In fact, once …
Yenier Bello Stats
There have been a number of Cuban defectors since I last checked in with a profile. I hope to get to each of them in time. Despite the Cub front office’s determination to do as little as possible this offseason, I do think there’s a good chance they make a run at one or more of them. Cuban free agents are …
Ways the Cubs could contend in 2014
Pitchers and catchers report in just 17 days. That's not a long time. Frankly, this has been the worst offseason I can ever remember for the Cubs, so I'm ready to watch the 2014 Cubs win 71 games and be eliminated from playoff contention in late May… or am I? Here are some things that could happen. If they do, …
Cubs put 7 in mlb.com Top 100 prospects
The Cubs were 3rd in "prospect points," according to mlb.com. 1st was the Astros, 2nd was the Red Sox. How good do you feel? Javier Baez – 7 (No. 2 SS) Kris Bryant – 9 (No. 2 3B) Albert Almora – 18 (No. 4 OF) C.J. Edwards – 42 (No. 20 P) Jorge Soler – 49 (No. 11 OF) Arismendy …
Why I Don’t Support the Wrigleyville Rooftop Owners
Yesterday, I posted on my FB page and on Twitter my first gut reaction to the latest twist in the Cubs v. Rooftops saga that began a long time ago in a galaxy, far, far away (or it just seems that way): If you go to a rooftop across from Wrigley, or buy a drink in any of the bars …
Myles’ Top Ten Prospects
This will be short and sweet. You've got plenty of different places to find a more thorough treatment. I'll link here for the description of what the rankings mean. 1. Javier Baez – 70 (9.5F) Baez is the clear top prospect according to every other scouting service. The comps are starting to get a little out of hand, with some people putting …
BP’s top 10 Cubs prospects + consensus Top 14 prospects
The BP list came out, and it's a great read. Here it is, but a sub is required. I recommend getting a subscription; it really is great work. I won't share any of the bits besides the Top 10 list: 1. Baez 2. Bryant 3. Almora 4. Soler 5. Edwards 6. Alcantara 7. Johnson 8. Vogelbach 9. Villanueva 10. Candelario …